Published on June 27, 2023
Overland Park’s city manager this week selected veteran Alan Long as the Overland Park Fire Department’s new fire chief.
The OPFD serves Merriam residents in a unique partnership.
Long is no stranger to the OPFD. He began his career there as a volunteer more than 25 years ago before being hired full-time in 1999. During his tenure, Long held various positions within the department, such as battalion chief, captain, lieutenant, and training instructor. He also served as the deputy chief of operations for the past five years and as interim chief after Fire Chief Bryan Dehner retired in March.
Long said he’s thrilled to lead the department.
"It’s humbling and exciting to be appointed chief of the Overland Park Fire Department,” Long said. “I look forward to working with our talented team to continue providing the highest level of fire and EMS care to the people of Overland Park, Merriam, and southern Johnson County."
Long is a native of the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. He’s a graduate of Johnson County Community College’s Emergency Medical Science program and the Executive Fire Officer program from the National Fire Academy. Long holds a master’s degree in human resource management and business administration, a bachelor’s degree in adult education, and an associate’s degree in fire administration. He and his wife, Betty, married 22 years ago and have three children.
Find more information about OPFD news and services in the 2022 Annual Report.